Eric Church delivered on his promise of a one-of-a-kind experience with two unforgettable nights at The Pinnacle in celebration of his new album Evangeline vs. The Machine. The CMA Entertainer of the Year’s intimate underplay performances, limited to just 4,500 fans each night, sold out quickly — even before the album dropped on May 2. Anticipation filled the air as members of the Church Choir arrived in fan gear like “Eric Fucking Church” and “Concert for Carolina” merch, ready for a live event unlike any other.
Fans were greeted by a surreal, immersive pre-show environment featuring camera operators and security guards dressed in hazmat suits adorned with the album’s “Machine” insignia. A 27-minute visual prelude, soundtracked by Pink Floyd’s “Welcome to the Machine,” set the tone before Church’s 22-member ensemble took the stage to a thunderous ovation. Kicking off with “Run Like Hell,” the band’s entrance was met by chants of “Chief, Chief” before Church appeared under a spotlight at center stage.
Church performed Evangeline vs. The Machine in its entirety, then segued into a powerful reimagining of his greatest hits, backed by his six-piece core band, a horn section, string quartet, choir, and longtime vocal collaborator Joanna Cotten. Fan favorites like “Desperate Man,” “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Sinners Like Me,” “Mistress Named Music,” and “Springsteen” took on new life in this expansive live format.
Speaking to the crowd on Saturday night, Church explained the concept behind the unique performances: “We created a show that’s only gonna be seen for these two nights. My favorite times as a music fan is knowing I’m seeing something live. Not on YouTube, not on TikTok, but live, as I knew I’d never be in that moment ever again. And that is the power of music… and the genesis of these shows.”
Whiskey Riff praised the production for showcasing Church’s deep country roots while weaving in rock, blues, and soul influences, calling the shows a bold declaration of the artistry behind his latest project. For fans in attendance, Evangeline vs. The Machine Live wasn’t just a concert — it was a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience.
Setlist:
- Hands of Time
- Bleed on Paper
- Johnny
- Storm in Their Blood
- Darkest Hour
- Evangeline
- Rocket's White Lincoln
- Clap Hands
- Desperate Man
- Give Me Back My Hometown
- Homeboy
- Sinners Like Me
- Creepin'
- Knives of New Orleans
- Smoke a Little Smoke
- The Outsiders
- Hell of a View
- Mistress Named Music
- Springsteen
